Comprehensive Plan - Carbondale, IL

Adopted June 22, 2010City of Carbondale4.8Figure 4.4 |EXISTING HOUSING STOCKThe condition of the existing housing stockis a primary concern to many residents andplanning process participants. Carbondaledeveloped much of its housing stock in themiddle of the previous century. As a result,many of the housing concerns are associatedwith older homes: improving energy-efficiency,retrofitting for accessibility, rehabilitating formodern interiors, and addressing infill designissues. Shown above are three examples wherereinvestment in older housing has positivelyimpacted the neighborhood.c. Review the feasibility for infill developmentand redevelopment based upon the costsof land purchase and development. Infilldevelopment can help meet the need foradditional housing units in the community.d. Focus on park and recreation improvementsas a means for elevating neighborhoodviability. In concert with Chapter 2, LandUse Character and Community Growth,highlight the importance of clean, safe,well-maintained, and vibrant neighborhoodparks as an anchor for strong, establishedneighborhoods. Another neighborhoodscaleopen space amenity would be thecreation of neighborhood gardens, whichcan be located in existing parks or as atemporary use on vacant lots.e. Pursue alternative code enforcementmethods in an endeavor to be more proactiveand ensure positive outcomes. Consideruse of an advocacy program to aid in codecompliance rather than citing noncompliantproperty owners. A key element may bethe cross-training of enforcement advocacyofficers in conflict management/resolution.f. Continue the Mandatory Rental InspectionProgram, which enforces propertymaintenance standards. Code enforcementwas widely discussed as a top issue duringthe Community Symposium. This programis important not only for the safety ofoccupants, but it also serves to maintainproperty values and helps to stabilize olderneighborhoods. As such, the Building &Neighborhood Services Division schedulesrequired inspections and follows up toensure that all noted code violations anddeficiencies found are properly corrected ina timely manner.g. Strictly enforce the repeat offenders of theMandatory Rental Inspection Programso that chronic problem properties areaddressed. Annual inspections, ratherthan every three years, may be requiredfor properties that continue to blight theneighborhood.h. Expand the Rental Housing ConversionProgram that provides a $5,000 grantto encourage the conversion of singlefamilyrental units to owner-occupiedChapter Four